The US was impressed with RAFAEL's commitment to supply the US military in Iraq with key equipment, like the anti-tank missile and AAV7 systems and the SIMON breach grenade.

Defense Contract Management Agency Director Keith Ernst said during a ceremony held at RAFAEL that the Israel arms maker worked extraneously to supply the US army with essential combat and defense equipment needed for troops in Iraq in July and August despite the Israel Defense Forces's war with Hizbullah.

Over a year ago RAFAEL received a certificate of recognition for the effectiveness of anti-missile armor it fitted on US Army vehicles.

The SIMON breach grenade was among the top 10 invetions awarded by the US Army in 2005.